Financial Impacts of Obesity Prevention NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

Financial Impacts of Obesity & Prevention NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE OFFICERS JULY 31, 2014

Obesity is a costly burden for the people of Kentucky. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of developing other chronic diseases and expensive health conditions, such as: • • Diabetes Stroke Arthritis Sleep Apnea Asthma Heart attack Cancers

Obesity in the Workplace Obesity-related job absenteeism costs $4. 3 billion annually. As a person's BMI increases, so do the number of sick days, medical claims and healthcare costs associated with that person. Obese employees had $51, 091 in medical claims costs per 100 full-time employees, costs for medical claims for healthy-weight workers was &7, 503. was $7, 503.

Why are low-income and food insecure people vulnerable to overweight and obesity? • Limited resources • Lack of access to healthy, affordable foods • Fewer opportunities for physical activity • Cycles of food deprivation & overeating • High levels of stress • Greater exposure to marketing of junk food • Limited access to health care

CDC Target Areas to Prevent Obesity • • • Increase physical activity Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables Decrease the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages Increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity Reduce the consumption of high energy dense foods Decrease television viewing

Best Practices for Reducing Obesity at the Community Level

Every $1 spent on bike trails and walking paths saves an estimated $3 in health costs.

“It’s amazing how much the business sector has told us that it’s the bike trails, hiking and recreation that set Berea apart. It is hard to overestimate how much this kind of infrastructure brings to a community. ” --Shaping KY’s Future, Local Success Stories

KY Worksite Wellness Tax Credit – A Health Impact Assessment What are the effects of a worksite wellness tax credit on: • Nutrition, physical activity and obesity levels of children whose parents receive worksite wellness services • Jobs • Social Cohesion

Every $1 spent on wellness programs saves a company about $6 in medical and absenteeism costs.

Buying locally strengthens regional economies, supports family farms, provides delicious, "fresh - from-the-field" foods for consumers, preserves the local landscape, and fosters a sense of community.

Better Bites healthy cafeteria options in Kentucky state government buildings. Every $1 spent on year-long nutrition and physical activity programs saves $1. 17 in medical expenses.

Elaine Russell MS RD Obesity Prevention Program Coordinator Kentucky Department for Public Health Elaine. Russell@ky. gov